First Day of iPhone

30 Jun 2007|Lori Hobson

When it comes to technology, I am generally more a bridge to crossing the chasm than a first adopter. But I do like being part of big events in Silicon Valley, where I live, like early viewings of Star Wars movies or the launch of much anticipated products. And we are more than Apple fans at our house — consider that my disclosure. So here’s a perspective for those who have chosen to wait…

Yesterday, June 29, I got one of the first iPhones. And, tomorrow I am getting one of the first iPhone manicures. Thumb nails once helped to locate keys on my Treo. After a few minutes of getting comfortable with the iPhone keypad, I realized that shorter thumb nails are the ticket. (And maybe even a shorter index nail for single pecking until I am better with the device, but my husband is already double thumbing with his!)

Two of the coolest things going on this device or any device for that matter: YouTube and Google maps. Google maps on the iPhone makes me wonder if the standalone GPS device people might have missed their opportunity. The really cool thing though: This is the platform on which YouTube was meant to run. It feels like a whole different experience. I was so delighted watching Pound, the handshake short, that I almost squeaked with joy. It was the moment that I stopped and said, “Wow.”

The interface is what is going to be the transforming element here. I always thought that the Treo was friendly and simple, but that seems so rudimentary now. Like when I first used an iPod, most things about the iPhone interface are intuitive, and the things that are not immediately obvious — like how to get the key pad up when you are in text message mode — are logical and have an element of delight. And then there’s the iPhone belly button: The interesting thing about having only one button is that it means you can pretty much guess what to press if the touch screen isn’t showing what you want.

The iPhone’s Bluetooth headset is what was needed. I haven’t used a wireless ear piece with another phone ever because, until now, they all looked like weird sliver and blue fungus coming out of people’s heads. My husband calls the Apple headset a “crack pipe,” but it is elegant.

The dimensions of the iPhone are smaller than I was expecting based on pictures. It is actually pretty thin. While too small to be heavy, it does have a slight heft, sort of like Canon aimed for with early Elph cameras. Enough weight to evoke a sense of quality. The parts are authentic: glass, metal, and unpainted plastic. (Phone designs can’t have metal covering the antenna or it interferes with the signal). The device feels great in my hand. Fits great in my handbag. Doesn’t seem like it is going to scratch. Phew. I love this thing.

I took my new jewel to a dinner party last night. Everyone was all over it. Everyone loved it. The host broke out champagne, and we all toasted it.